St. Landry democrat., 1887-06-18
"But again the dealer shook his head, and
,ok his stand before the easel on which stood

rather Levi had the picture than Zerubba-
bel; but it seemed hard that he should make
no present profit out of this-his best work.
Every penny of the 93oo would be swallowed
up in getting clear of that unfortunate bill of
sale
''Give me week to think it over" he said
at last, turning abruptly round to the dealer.
In doing 80 he caught his foot in the sup
port Of the easel, and the picture fell heavily
to the ground.
Good God what have you done % cried
Mr. Levi. Poor Michael Angelo was too
frightened to speak. Together they picked
up the picture. Fortunately, the canvas
was not damaged but large corner Of the
frame was Clipped off.
That's soon remedied," said Mr.. Levi.
IA new frame won't cost much. But,
Mr. Megilp, | hope you'll think over my
offer: it may lead to further business you
know" he added, amiably. And he left the
artist standing, with rather rueful air, be-
fore his cherished picture.
What has happened, Angy? I heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Levi offered
you? Oh, what pity the beautiful
frame" said Mrs. Meglp, busting into the
studio. But without waiting for answers to
her questions, she went on, I've just had
letter from Aunt Jane, and she wants US to
spend from Saturday to Monday with her.
Do let me accept, dear. You look quite pale
from overwork, and l so long for sight of
the country. Do let's get away from these
bothering money-enders and people and
have holiday. I'm sure we both want ii"
Levi has offered me e3OO for Chloe"
began Megilp, gravely.
why, that's worse than Mr.. Zerubbabel
but about Aunt James invitation, Angy.
May l accept"
Megilp never could refuse his wife any
thing. She had evidently set her heart upon
the visit, so, though he didn't like leaving
town at such a critical moment. he let her
have her own way; and the note accepting
Aunt James invitation was written and
posted forthwith.
Having called at the picture-framer's and
ordered a new frame for Chloe" and left
the key of the studio with Mary Anne, the
housemaid, with directions to hand over the
picture to Mr.. Ormolus representative, Me-
Clip and his wife left town the following af-
ternoon and spent a delightfully."- quiet Sun
day with Aunt Jane at her cottage in Sussex.
Late on Monday evening the Megilps re-
turned home.
ANY one called while we were away?
Any letters, Mary Anne?" Mrs. Megilp
asked, as the neat handmaiden met her at
the door.
"Oh, yes, mum, if you please replied
Mary Anne, volubly. "On Saturday. soon
after you and master left, Mr.. Ormolu's
young man came for the picture-the pretty
one with the chickens; and this morning
came a gentleman, the same as called
the other evening when master was out.
And he asst me if he could see masters pic
lures, and l said yes, l thought he could,
and showed him into the drawing-room. L
hope did right, sir" she added, turning to
Megilp.
"Quite right. Which pictures did you
show him, Mary Anne?'
II asst him to wait minute" resumed the
girl, smoothing her apron complacently.
land l made the studio look quite nice before
l showed him in. l lifted the big picture
the one of the young lady with two long
plaits of air down her back
Margaret Mending Her Stockings" said
Megilp, under his breath.
And put it on the easel and it looked
beautiful" went on the maid gliblv. The
gentleman seemed very much took with it
and then he looked at the little PICTURE
Sour Grapes" interpolated Michael An
gelo, smiling.
and then he asked me for pen and ink,
and then he set down and wrote you this
letter, sir" Here she produced from her
pocket two letters. This other came by
post this morning." she added giving both
to him.
Hastily stutfing the post-letter into his
pocket, Megilp tore open Mr.. Zerubbabels
communication. When he had read it, he
burst into hearty laugh, drew his wife into
the drawing room, and shut the door on the
astonished Mary Anne.
,''Madge. Madge. it's the best joke-you
must raise that girls wages five pounds
year. and give her gown or something.
Pom my word, you must. She's done us
splendid turn. Read thatn;
He handed the open letter to Mrs. Megilp.
1t ran as follows
DEAR SIR-I have seen your picture, Mar
garet Mending Her Stockings It's taken my
fancy. III buy it of you on the following
terms: I'll remit the bill of sale and give you
ESQ. If you accept, bill of sale RENTED by re-
turn post. Wire reply. Yours respectfully,
MICAH ZERUBBABEL.
Perhaps you'd throw in the little picture,
"Sour Grapes;' ESQ is a lot of money.-M.Z.
I'm afraid he has made mistake. He
meant to buy Chloe" said Mrs. Megilp,
uneasily.
Nonsense, my dear"' retorted her
husband' Here he makes me an
offer in black-and-white for Margaret
Mending Her Stockings He ought to know.
what he wants. | shall wire acceptance at
once, and We'll burn the bill of sale to-mor-
row morning"
By the next mornings post came the bill
of sale and Mr. Zerubbabel's check for $50.
Mrs. Megilp consigned the former in solemn
silence to the flames, and her husband put
the latter into his pocket. AS he did SO, he
pulled out the letter Mary Anne had given
him the evening before, and which in the ex-
element of the moment he had completely
forgotten.
1t was from Mr. Abiram Lew, offering
him e4OO for 'Chloe Counting Her Chick
ens.'
SIT never rains but it pOurs,' cried the